George Orlando Griffith Jr.

George Orlando "Lanny" Griffith, Jr., passed away peacefully at home in Alexandria, VA, on March 25, 2025.
Lanny was born in Akron, OH, on August 13, 1951, to the late George Griffith, Sr., and Dorothy Cain Griffith. Early in his childhood the family relocated to Corinth, MS, a town that would be a special place to Lanny for the rest of his life. Lanny was a 1969 graduate of Corinth High School, followed by the University of Mississippi with an undergraduate degree in accounting in 1973 and a JD in 1976. At Ole Miss, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and served as president of Omicron Delta Kappa and Associated Student Body Treasurer.
Lanny's early political career included serving as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Republican Party, working for the Republican National Committee, managing Haley Barbour's U.S. Senate race in 1982, and serving as Southern Political Director in Vice President Bush's presidential campaign.
On January 20, 1989, Lanny was sworn in as Special Assistant to the President, serving as President Bush's liaison to governors and other statewide elected officials. In 1991, President Bush nominated Lanny to be Assistant Secretary of Education, a role in which he directed Secretary Lamar Alexander's successful effort to build a national consensus around educational standards and testing.
In 1993, Lanny joined BGR Group, serving as CEO for 27 years and Chairman for 4. He guided the firm from its earliest days and was known among colleagues for his open door policy, balancing the responsibilities of his leadership with an unwavering availability for advice or simply a friendly visit.
Lanny was active in his communities throughout his life, notably in leadership positions with the Presbyterian Church and as a founder of the Trust for the National Mall. He continued to love his hometown, Corinth, where he helped restore multiple buildings in the historic downtown district.
A consummate host, Lanny was at home anywhere he could share good stories, whether at his family house, on his many travels, or while captaining his boat in Mississippi. Lanny will be remembered for his gregarious laugh and his natural ability to bring people together. He was a generous, loving parent and husband, as well as a mentor to many who shared his passions for government, politics, and history.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son David Lamar Griffith.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan Harris Griffith, his daughter, Sarah "Sally" Hamilton Griffith, and his siblings: John David "Jack" Griffith (Joyce), Sara "Sally" Griffith Rainey (Tom), and William "Bill" Griffith (Tonya).
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 3, 2025, at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home. A memorial service is set for 10:30 a.m. on April 4, 2025, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, VA.